Iowa Character Award recipient

For the past 49 years, 45 spent at Brooklyn, Guernsey, and Malcom High School (BGM), students have counted on Corwin “Corky” Stuart. As aP.E. teacher and coach, Corky reaches nearly every student that passes through BGM. Described as “inspirational,” Corky

Good character plays a fundamental role at Denison elementary schools and it’s apparent everywhere you go. You can expect to be greeted each morning by a student with a smile and a cheery “Good morning”. Character Superheroes lead assemblies and role model exemplary

Facing both natural disasters and devastating loss, the communities of Aplington and Parkersburg continually demonstrate good character in the face of adversity. Working together and supporting one another are just two ways the citizens of these two communities make a positive impact on the

Jay Parker has been an advocate and volunteer of The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center for many years. As a long-time employee of Wells Fargo, Jay has committed countless hours supporting The Ray Center’s efforts to positively impact Iowans through character development.

Dr. George Belitsos is the founder and Chief Executive Officer Emeritus of Youth and Shelter Services, Inc. (YSS). He served as CEO for 39 years and retired from his position in 2015. George has been a trusted resource for the community and the

Trinity Hopkey is an inspiring young woman and a role model for good character in the Norwalk Community School District (NCSD). She is the co-founder of the NCSD Fellowship of Christian Athletes, participated in the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Youth Leadership Institute, volunteered at

Zyrianna started the first annual child abuse prevention event in Hardin County to give underprivileged kids a free and fun place to spend the day with their families. Activities included a fashion show fundraiser, a book drive that collected more than 2,500 books for foster children, an art contest, and more.

The Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School MVP program is student-led organization dedicated to initiating conversations about tough subjects concerning students inside and outside the classroom. Students courageously and respectively engage their peers in conversations concerning bullying, harmful social media practices, harassment, unhealthy societal norms, the responsibilities of

The Boone Hope Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide comfort to students and their families in emergency-type situations. The foundation offers support in the form of food, clothing, shelter, medical needs, and transportation. By helping students and their families meet basic needs, the foundation